The monetary value of old, collectible, and vintage items is determined by an antique appraiser. Appraisers examine and value a wide range of items, including furniture, jewelry, artwork, and historical artifacts, but they can evaluate almost anything. They frequently assist attorneys, real estate agents, and auction houses in pricing and cataloging items for estate sales and public auctions, as well as assisting in the resolution of divorce and inheritance cases. However, anyone can consult an antique appraiser to determine the value of a specific item.
Some antique appraisers work alone, while others are part of a team of appraisers employed by an auction house or a larger group. When hiring an antique appraiser, make sure he or she is well-versed in history, particularly the distinguishing characteristics of various design styles. A Shaker table, for example, is quite different from a lavish, gilt-edged Rococo table in terms of design. Though an appraiser may have a broad base of general knowledge about antiques, it is common for him or her to specialize in one or two areas. Finally, any antique appraiser should be knowledgeable about the various personal property laws.
The best way to learn how to appraise antiques is from someone who has done it before. Many people who are interested in this field enroll in an apprenticeship program and learn everything they can from experienced appraisers. It is critical that the apprentice comprehends the distinguishing characteristics of various items as well as how to accurately assess the item’s value. The value of an item is extremely important, and those seeking an appraisal can easily contest it if it appears to be excessively high or low, which can lead to lawsuits.
If the apprentice enjoys the work and wants to advance, there are numerous antique appraisal courses available. There are numerous appraisal schools around the world, with many of them offering programs online. The majority of the courses focus on how to properly appraise personal property and frequently include general art history, history, or real estate courses. A person does not require a license to work as a professional appraiser.
Antique appraisal is a very rewarding field. People enjoy discovering “buried treasure” from their ancestors’ pasts, and they frequently want to know how much the item is worth. For sentimental reasons, many relatives are hesitant to part with heirlooms, but an antique appraiser can help families learn more about their history. By assessing an item, an antique appraiser can educate the family on the story behind a meaningful item as well as providing its actual current market value.